St. Pete's Premier 3/4 Day Inshore Fishing Trip

Published Date: July 17, 2025
Fishing

Florida
$400 - $1,000 price range
Updated Date: October 17, 2025

Summary

Spend a solid six hours on the water with our extended half-day trip in St. Petersburg. We'll hit the inshore flats and backwaters, targeting fish like redfish, snook, mackerel, and sheepshead. Our experienced captains know these waters well and will put you on the fish. With extra time, we can really work the tides and adjust our tactics to maximize your catch. This trip's relaxed pace is great for anglers of all skill levels - whether you're looking to hone your technique or just enjoy a day on the water. You'll have plenty of chances to reel in quality fish and create some lasting memories. It's the perfect way to experience Florida fishing at its best. Remember, we can take up to three guests, so bring your buddies or the family for a day of coastal action.

St. Pete's Premier 3/4 Day Inshore Fishing Trip

Coastal Catch Highlights

St. Pete fishing vibes.

Reel adventures await.

Sun, sea, and big catches.

Striped bass caught while fishing in St. Petersburg

Cast off, relax, repeat.

Extended Half Day Fishing: St. Pete's Hidden Gems

Ready for a solid six hours of rod-bending action in St. Petersburg's rich coastal waters? Our Extended Half Day trip is the sweet spot for anglers looking to maximize their time on the water without committing to a full day. We'll hit the flats, backwaters, and honey holes where the fish are biting. Whether you're after the slam of a big redfish or the acrobatics of a snook, we've got you covered. Grab your hat and sunscreen - it's time to see why St. Pete is a angler's paradise.

What to Expect on the Water

Our 3/4 day trip kicks off bright and early, giving us prime time to chase the tides and find where the fish are feeding. We'll start by cruising through the calm backwaters, sight-casting to tailing reds or working oyster bars for sheepshead. As the day heats up, we might run to some nearshore spots to troll for king mackerel or bottom fish for gag grouper. The beauty of this extended trip is the flexibility - we can adapt to what's biting and really dial in our approach. You'll get hands-on instruction from our seasoned captains, whether you're a first-timer or looking to sharpen your skills.

Tactics and Techniques

We'll be using a mix of live bait and artificial lures, depending on what's working best. For inshore species like redfish and snook, we often start with live shrimp under a popping cork or free-lined pinfish. If the bite is hot, we might switch to soft plastics or topwater lures for some heart-pounding surface action. When we're targeting sheepshead around structure, it's all about precision with fiddler crabs or oysters on a small hook. If we run out for mackerel, we'll set up a trolling spread with spoons or live bait. The longer trip time means we can really fine-tune our approach and teach you the ins and outs of each technique.

Top Catches This Season

St. Petersburg's waters have been on fire lately. Anglers have been hauling in monster redfish from the flats, with several over 30 inches making appearances. The snook bite has been steady, especially around mangrove shorelines and dock lights. Sheepshead have been stacked up on just about every piling and bridge, making for some non-stop action. When we've ventured out a bit, the king mackerel have been providing screaming drags and acrobatic jumps. It's shaping up to be a banner year for St. Pete fishing.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Gag Grouper: These bruisers are the strongmen of the nearshore waters. Gags love to hang around rocky bottoms and reefs, ambushing prey with their powerful jaws. They put up a stubborn fight, often trying to wrap you around structure. The challenge of pulling a big gag away from its home is what keeps anglers coming back. They're most active in cooler months, making fall and winter prime time for grouper fishing. When you connect with a gag, get ready for some serious rod-bending action.

Snook: The smartest fish in the bay, snook are prized for their cunning and acrobatics. These silver-sided predators love to lurk around mangroves, docks, and passes, waiting to ambush baitfish. Snook are known for their explosive strikes and gill-rattling head shakes. They're catch-and-release most of the year, with a brief harvest season in the fall. Watching a big snook crush a topwater lure at dawn is one of Florida's greatest fishing thrills. Their seasonal movements make them a year-round target, changing tactics with the weather.

Sheepshead: Don't let their goofy grin fool you - sheepshead are some of the wiliest fish in the bay. These striped bandits are masters of the light bite, often stealing bait without detection. They hang around pilings, bridges, and oyster bars, using their human-like teeth to crunch crustaceans. Winter is prime time for sheepshead, when they school up to spawn. The challenge of hooking these bait-stealers is addictive, and their sweet, white meat makes them a favorite for the dinner table.

King Mackerel: When you're ready to feel some serious speed, king mackerel deliver. These torpedo-shaped predators cruise the nearshore waters, hunting schools of baitfish. Kings are known for their blistering runs and aerial displays when hooked. Spring and fall migrations bring them close to shore, where we can target them by trolling or slow-trolling live baits. Landing a smoker king is a true test of an angler's skill, requiring finesse with light wire leaders and proper drag settings.

Redfish: The bulldogs of the flats, redfish are beloved for their powerful runs and copper-penny shine. These spot-tailed warriors can be found tailing in shallow grass flats or cruising mangrove shorelines. Reds will eat just about anything, from live bait to artificial lures, making them a great target for anglers of all skill levels. Fall brings the famous "bull red" run, where oversized bruisers move into the bays to spawn. Whether you're sight-casting to tailing fish or working a deep hole, hooking into a big red is always a thrill.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Our Extended Half Day trips hit the sweet spot for many anglers. You get more time than a standard half-day, allowing us to really work different spots and techniques. It's perfect for those who want a serious fishing experience without committing to a full day. The extra hours mean we can chase the tides, moving with the fish as they feed. You'll have time to really dial in your techniques, whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting started. Plus, with the variety of species we target, there's always something biting. It's no wonder we see so many repeat customers - once you experience the quality of St. Pete fishing, you'll be hooked.

Time to Book Your Spot

Whether you're a local looking for a solid day on the water or a visitor wanting to experience the best of Florida fishing, our Extended Half Day trip delivers. We provide all the gear, licenses, and know-how - you just bring your sense of adventure. Remember, the best dates fill up fast, especially during peak seasons. Don't miss your chance to get in on St. Petersburg's world-class inshore fishing. Book your trip now and get ready for some serious rod-bending action. Just remember, those deposits are non-refundable, so check your calendar and get ready for an unforgettable day on the water. See you at the dock!

Learn more about the animals

Gag Grouper

Gag Grouper are a popular target around St. Pete, typically weighing 20-30 pounds but can reach up to 80. You'll find them near rocky bottoms, reefs, and shipwrecks in waters 60-250 feet deep. They're most active in cooler months, from fall through spring. Anglers love gags for their powerful fight and excellent table fare. When fishing for them, use heavy tackle and drop your bait right into structure – they won't stray far from cover. Live bait like pinfish or squid works great. Here's a local tip: when you feel that first bump, don't set the hook immediately. Let the grouper take the bait and start to run before you reel. It'll increase your chances of a solid hookup on these hard-fighting fish.

King Mackerel

King Mackerel, or "kings," are speed demons of the Gulf, typically 10-20 pounds but can reach 50+. You'll find them in open water, often around bait schools, from 20-150 feet deep. They're most active in warmer months, spring through fall. Anglers love kings for their blistering runs and aerial acrobatics when hooked. These fish make great smokers too. When targeting kings, trolling with live bait or spoons is effective. Here's a local tip: look for diving birds to locate bait schools, then slow-troll live blue runners or cigar minnows nearby. Kings often strike hard and fast, so be ready for sudden, screaming runs that'll test your gear and your nerves. It's an adrenaline rush you won't forget.

Redfish

Redfish, or red drum, are a staple in St. Pete's waters, typically 5-15 pounds but can grow much larger. You'll find them in shallow flats, around mangroves, and near oyster bars in 1-4 feet of water. They're active year-round but especially in fall when big schools gather to spawn. Anglers love reds for their powerful runs and distinctive tail spot. When targeting redfish, use live bait like shrimp or cut mullet, or try soft plastics and topwater lures. Here's a local secret: look for "tailing" reds in very shallow water during high tides. You'll see their tails sticking up as they root for crabs in the grass. It's sight fishing at its finest, and hooking one in skinny water is a thrill you won't soon forget.

Sheepshead

Sheepshead are a unique catch, typically 2-5 pounds with distinctive black and white stripes. You'll find them around barnacle-covered structures like pilings, bridges, and reefs in 5-15 feet of water. They're most active in cooler months, especially February to April during their spawn. Anglers enjoy the challenge of hooking these bait-stealers, known for their human-like teeth and delicious white meat. When targeting sheepshead, use small hooks and natural baits like fiddler crabs or oysters. Here's a local trick: feel for the light tap-tap-tap as they nibble your bait, then set the hook hard. Their tough mouths make them tricky to hook, but once you do, you're in for a fun fight and a tasty dinner.

Snook

Snook are the rockstars of our inshore waters, growing up to 4 feet long but commonly 1-2 feet. You'll find them around mangroves, docks, and in coastal creeks. They love structure and ambush their prey with lightning-fast strikes. Spring and fall are prime snook seasons when they're most active. Anglers can't get enough of their acrobatic jumps and powerful runs. These fish are catch-and-release only most of the year, which keeps the population healthy. When targeting snook, use live bait like pilchards or lures that mimic their natural prey. Here's a pro tip: fish the outgoing tide around dock lights at night. The snook will stack up to feed on baitfish being swept out with the current. It's an exciting way to hook into one of these sought-after gamefish.

About the Dusky (Center console)

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6

Manufacturer Name: Suzuki

Maximum Cruising Speed: 40

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 175

Set sail for six action-packed hours of fishing in St. Petersburg's coastal waters. Our seasoned captains know all the prime spots to catch Redfish, Snook, Trout, and more. With extra time on our side, we'll follow the tides and adapt our techniques to maximize your chances of landing some impressive fish. This laid-back trip is perfect for anglers of all skill levels - whether you're casting your first line or looking to refine your technique. As we navigate the flats and backwaters, you'll soak in Florida's natural beauty while waiting for that next big bite. It's a fantastic way to spend half a day outdoors, creating lasting memories and hopefully snagging some photo-worthy catches. Don't miss out on this quintessential Florida fishing experience - book your trip now and get ready for a day on the water you won't soon forget.

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